Subject-Area Teachingat University of California-Irvine
Graduates earn $56,003/yr in their first year — about 34.0% above the national Subject-Area Teaching average. Base-case 10-year earnings $598K; scenarios range from $554K to $609K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UC Irvine
The robust earnings for this program aren't just an anomaly; they reflect the unique opportunities in Southern California, particularly for educators specializing in high-demand fields at the postsecondary level. Given the career paths listed, you're likely preparing to teach specific subjects in community colleges or universities, where compensation for specialized expertise—especially in STEM or health—is significantly higher than K-12. UCI's strong academic reputation and location in a dense, competitive job market mean graduates are well-positioned for these roles.
While AI risk is noted as high, remember that effective teaching, particularly at advanced levels, hinges on human connection, mentorship, and critical thinking that AI can't replicate. It may change *how* you teach, but not the fundamental need for skilled instructors. To capitalize on these strong outcomes, focus on deeply specializing in your chosen subject area and actively pursuing opportunities for advanced degrees and research, which are critical for securing the most lucrative postsecondary teaching positions.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to UC Irvine's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Subject-Area Teaching
How UC Irvine stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UC Irvine
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UC Irvine, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Subject-Area Teaching offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Subject-Area Teaching trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Subject-Area Teaching at UC Irvine
How does University of California-Irvine's Subject-Area Teaching program score?
This program scores 64/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Subject-Area Teaching graduates.
How vulnerable is Subject-Area Teaching to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Subject-Area Teaching careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 43% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of California-Irvine rank so high for Subject-Area Teaching?
The #66 ranking out of 348 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.